Why routines are your best friend during grief

Think of your favorite comfort food, the coziest blanket you own, or a warm cup of hot chocolate before bed. All these things make you feel better, right? They’re like big, squeezie (as Libby would say) hugs because they are familiar. And it's this familiarity that we are going to discuss today—how the concept of routines acts as a comforting, familiar embrace during times of grief.

Routines bring a slice of predictability back to our lives, a comforting presence when our world has been completely turned upside down. Knowing when you're going to wake up, what you're going to eat, and having plans like a walk with a friend after work can make a HUGE difference on your grief journey.

Recently, a wonderful subscriber asked me to delve into routines, and I was happy to oblige! Because, honestly, creating or restarting routines can seem like climbing Everest when you are grieving. But they are incredibly helpful life rafts on your journey of grief.

1. Giving your Brain a Break 🧠

Grieving is mentally exhausting. Sometimes, you just need to give your brain a chance to catch its breath. Routines say, “Hey brain, let’s not focus on everything right now, let’s just get through our morning routine.” It's about taking off some of the pressure and just focusing on one part of your routine at a time.

2. Mood Booster 💪

I know, the last thing we, grieving souls, want to focus on is diet and exercise. But even little steps in your routine regarding health can make a massive difference in your mood! And no, I am not asking you to dive headfirst into rigorous workout routines or be on a strict diet. Even minor activities throughout the week and ensuring you get some nutrition can make a large difference. I love the site HERE for easy workout routines!

3. Stay Connected 🌐

Even for an introvert like me, staying connected is crucial. Grief can be isolating, and having human conversations, even just a little bit, opens you up to connection and other perspectives. So, let’s carve out a bit of social time each week in our routines.

4. Building Resilience 💪

Every time you follow a routine, even a simple one, you are building your resilience muscles. It’s like a daily reminder that you are strong, you are a survivor, and yes, you can do this!

5. Personalization 🌿

Routines are all about YOU. Whether you’re a jog-every-morning person or a stay-at-home-and-read person, your routine should be tailored to what you enjoy, what you will stick with, and what can help you move forward.

Creating your Routine 📝

Creating a routine is completely personal, and you can start with small things that you do in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Whether it’s getting up and making your bed, hydrating, doing a five-minute stretch, or having your favorite breakfast, it’s all about making the routine yours. Don’t hesitate to write it down or even use a printable to note it down.

I created a free printable HERE with an example of my own personal routine as well as a blank section for you to create your own!

Life may seem completely overwhelming when you are grieving, but creating a routine can be one of the most comforting things during such times. It brings a sense of normalcy, a bit of predictability, and a whole lot of resilience.

Whether you are just starting to create a routine or trying to maintain one you've started, remember to be gentle with yourself. After all, it's all about moving forward, one tiny step at a time.

Let’s keep sharing love, strength, and comforting routines. Remember, you are not alone, and together, we can get through this journey. ❤️

To watch the video version of this post, click below!